Change reflects namesake’s posthumous promotion.
On Aug. 24, 2024, approximately 175 people gathered at 248 W. 132 St. in Harlem to celebrate the renaming of Brig. Gen. Charles Young American Legion Post 398. The ceremony acknowledged the long-overdue posthumous promotion of its namesake officer from colonel to brigadier general.
Charles Young was the third Black graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, and was the highest-ranking Black officer ever at the time of his death in 1922 while on assignment as defense attaché in Liberia. Post 398 was instrumental in raising the money needed to repatriate his remains back to the United States in 1923 for a proper burial.
In addition to bringing together local veterans and members of the greater Harlem community, members of American Legion Post 682 from Philadelphia and Post 140 from Bridgeport, Conn., turned out en masse to support this joyous occasion. Young and old gathered for the festivities representing uniformed service from the Korean War through the present. As part of the ceremony, George Robinson was recognized for 50 years of continuous membership in Post 398.
The post received official proclamations from New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul also wrote a letter of support expressing her gratitude for Post 398’s service to the local community and the City of New York. Ahead of the event, CBS news reporter Jessi Mitchell stopped by the post to interview members, learn about the legacy of Brig. Gen. Charles Young, and bring attention to the work Post 398 does on behalf of veterans and the local community.
Guest speakers included Methuselah Bradley IV, international chairman of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Brain Trust, Jamiel Alexander from the Pennsylvania NAACP, and Maj. Kelechi Odocha from the U.S. Military Academy Office of Admissions. Harlem’s own Warriors Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps performed at the unveiling of Post 398’s new sign, and the West Point Gospel Choir closed out the ceremony with a moving performance.
Post 398 looks forward to welcoming new members into its ranks and will continue making upgrades to its 1910 building, beginning with the refurbishment of its outdoor garden space and the construction of a gazebo. Post 398 welcomes all veterans to come visit Thursday through Sunday evenings and join in fellowship with the veterans who call the post home.
- Honor & Remembrance